Boy Shot With Gun Linked To Felon

HOLLYWOOD -- The gun used in the accidental shooting of Sean Carswell on Monday was found in the motel room of a convicted felon who should not have had a gun, according to state statutes.

Carswell, his brother and two cousins found the gun in the efficiency motel room of Willie Corouthers, 22, who is on probation for several felony convictions, court records show.

The boys had spent Sunday night in Corouthers` room. On Monday morning, Corouthers left the boys alone in the room while he took the Carswells` 16- year-old sister to school, police said.

It was during that time that the boys, between the ages of 6 and 12, found a loaded .38-caliber revolver. While playing, Sean`s 10-year-old brother shot Sean in the head, police said.

Sean remained in critical condition Thursday in Memorial Hospital in Hollywood, a spokeswoman said.

According to Florida statute, ``It is unlawful for any person who has been convicted of a felony ... to have in his care, custody, possession or control any firearm.``

Violation of that law is a second-degree felony and is punishable by a maximum sentence of 15 years in jail, according to state statutes.

Corouthers has not been charged with any crimes, police said.

Hollywood Police Chief Richard Witt said he could not discuss the case because it remains under investigation.

Although police have said the shooting appeared to have been accidental, they charged Sean`s 10-year-old brother with attempted murder. The boy was turned over to the state Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services before the boy was returned Monday night to the custody of his grandmother, Ruth Carswell.

The boys had gone to a movie with Corouthers on Sunday night, slept over and were to go to Topeekeegee-Yugnee Park on Monday, police said.

Corouthers` criminal background dates to 1981, when he was charged with grand theft, records show.

In 1982, he was charged with burglary, and on Dec. 24, 1984, he was charged with possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, possession of marijuana, possession of cocaine and loitering and prowling, records show.

He pleaded guilty to all charges. On June 5, 1985, he was sentenced to 18 months` probation, records show. Again on June 11, he was sentenced to 18 months` probation.